How to deal with this mentally
Hey everyone. I’m a 43-year-old woman who has been dealing with perioral dermatitis (PD) for about 6 years, although I was only officially diagnosed within the last 2 years. On top of that, I’ve struggled with lifelong acne and rosacea since my teenage years.
My skin is extremely reactive to topical treatments. I’ve tried things like Soolantra, Elidel, and other treatments over the years, but unfortunately, nothing has provided lasting relief. At this point, I’m starting to wonder if I’ll be dealing with these skin issues forever.
I know I’m not alone, but I’m really struggling with the mental and emotional side of having chronic skin problems. It can be so hard to look in the mirror, deal with flare-ups, and constantly think about my skin. Even though I’m in therapy, I still find myself having a really difficult time with it.
For those of you who have been dealing with PD, acne, rosacea, or other chronic skin conditions for years, how do you cope mentally? What has helped you stop obsessing over your skin and continue living your life even when you’re having a bad flare?
I’d really appreciate hearing how others have learned to manage the emotional side of this.